Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles History

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Manly-Warringah entered the Sydney premiership in 1947. Success has mostly come Manly's way, making the grand final in 1951 but lost to 42-14 to South Sydney. Manly were runners up on five occasions (1951, 1957, 1959, 1968, 1970) before they finally won their much awaited first premiership in 1972 defeating Eastern Suburbs 19-14 in the grand final. Manly would win three further premierships in the 1970's in 1973, 1976 and 1978 to confirm itself as the team of that decade. Many great players played for Manly during that era but none was better then Bob Fulton, who would later coach Manly to two premierships. Fulton was a champion in every sense and in 1981, his feats on the field were recognised when he was named as one of the Immortals. He and former chief executive Ken Arthurson left the greatest impact on Manly and the success Manly has enjoyed can be thanked to the ability of Fulton and the hard work of Arko.

Between 1980-99, Manly won two premierships and were runners up in a another four, with only Canterbury-Bankstown making more grand finals then Manly during that time. Paul Vautin captained Manly to their 1987 success, the last grand final ever to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Manly under the leadership of Geoff Toovey made three consecutive grand finals between 1995-97, winning in 1996. Cliff Lyons in 1999 passed 300 first grade games for Manly this season, only player along with Cronulla's Andrew Ettingshausen to play 300 top grade games for the one club. At his retirement Lyons was second overall to Terry Lamb for the most first grade games.

Financial problems following the Super League war hit Manly hard as they were forced to sacrifice most being the ARL?s highest profile team. The Sea Eagles were only a shadow of themselves from three seasons before and were forced into a shot gun marriage with the busted North Sydney Bears. It was a major decline for Norths with a relocation venture going horribly wrong sinking the club. Manly saw it as a financial saviour but the following two years was nothing but trouble between the bitter rivals.

The joint venture partnership was dissolved at the end of the 2001 season with Manly taking full control. They played under the ?Northern Eagles? name in 2002 before returning to the Manly-Warringah name in 2003. It?s been a rebuilding time for the Sea Eagles but in 2005 under the coaching of former club legend Des Hasler they are on the slow rise back to the top. Manly now have money to play with and their house is back in order. There?s a 1970-80?s feel at Brookvale, which is worrying for the other clubs.

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